Thank
you for your recent correspondence regarding timber harvesting in the
Temagami Crown Forest Unit.Your
comments indicate that you may have been provided with information and
claims that are unsubstantiated and/or in error.

Harvesting
was planned in these blocks because, due to the fire suppression
strategies of the previous 50 years, there is a need to substitute the
forest replacement aspect of fire with harvesting activities.This continues the cycle and natural succession of a forest stand
through removal, regeneration, growth and maturity and ensures that white
pine will continue to be present on the landscape in the absence of fire.It is Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) policy that all harvested
stands are renewed in a timely fashion and that the long-term
sustainability of our forests are maintained or enhanced.

Harvest
blocks (29, 30, 46) are in Special Management Area #43 and Integrated
Management Area #47 of the TLUP.Forest
management activities are a permitted use in these areas. These blocks are
regulated by the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA, 1994), and its
over 50 associated manuals and guidelines.These associated guidelines are designed to minimize the
environmental impacts of forest harvesting practices.

The
clearcut silvicultural system is not environmentally destructive, as the
tree species planned for harvest in these blocks require large
disturbances to regenerate, and have adapted to such for millennia.Implementation of this harvest system also requires retention of
large areas of no-cut peninsular and interior patch reserves and
individual trees for wildlife, viewscape protection, biodiversity and
natural forest structure.In
addition, all age classes of white and black spruce and jack pine present
in the block will be represented in the reserves. Timing restrictions and
restrictions on operating areas are in place to protect the tourism and
remote recreation values.